On Friday 16th November 2018 Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland presented Gretton businessman Terry Forsey with a prestigious local award that celebrates enterprising people in Rutland, at the Falcon Hotel in Uppingham.

The annual Rutland Biz Club Award was awarded to Terry on behalf of The Travers Foundation charity which he founded. It supports young people in Northamptonshire, Rutland and Leicestershire to achieve outstanding results in sports, performing arts and creative arts.

Terry impressed the Biz Club judges and sponsor The Falcon Hotel, with his innovative vision to set up the foundation that is run entirely by volunteers. In 2017 they raised £32,378 to support 151 young people aged 13 to 30 who have won 139 awards and medals nationally and internationally.

Terry employed the enterprising skills he used to build up his own successful software marketing company to set up the charity to inspire and motivate young people to achieve their goals including Chris Southwell (22) from Oakham who has autism. Chris won Great Britain’s first ever Basketball gold medal at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles in 2015 after receiving £1,250 match funding.

Terry said: “We are very proud to see our success recognised with the Biz Club Award as it’s is a testimony to all the young people we support and the volunteers who work so tirelessly. The financial support we provide young people helps them to reach for the stars.”

Rutland’s Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness presented Terry with a trophy and a cheque for £500 to spend on a work of art. Terry has already purchased a signed limited-edition print by wildlife artist Ralph Steadman from Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham and this is available as a raffle prize to support the work of the charity. Tickets may be purchased from www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Biz Club President Geoffrey Pointon said: “Terry impressed the judges with his innovative approach to building a charity from scratch. His enterprising vision has helped scores of local young people to achieve their goals using grit, determination and talent to help put Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire on the map.”

The Biz Club provides networking opportunities for business owners and would be owners with the aim of increasing profitable growth of the smaller business sector. It also develops and encourages communication between politicians and business people. Past speakers include; businesswoman Nicola Horlick, Sir Graham Brady MP and former CBI chief John Cridland. For more information on the Biz Club and forthcoming events visit: www.thebizclub.co.uk